Heiser Chevrolet's December Newsletter
A Holiday Message from Mary Ann.
As the year comes to a close, the Heiser Automotive Group would like to thank our customers for choosing Heiser for their automotive sales and service needs in 2013. We strive to make customer service the top priority for each of our employees. With your support, they were able to deliver on the promise that “Anything’s Possible” at the Heiser dealerships.
Another resolution: to grow with our community, was met in 2013 Heiser successfully partnered with local groups, like Rawhide, Autism Speaks, our neighborhood schools and their sports teams to help them reach their goals. Understanding the value of volunteerism and the financial needs of many outreach efforts underscores the leadership in each of our five Southeast Wisconsin dealerships.
In 2014 we look forward to celebrating our 97th year! Heiser dealerships will continue to carry the large selection Milwaukee expects, at prices that will knock your socks off! In addition, watch for some new tools to help make managing your automotive needs easier.
Heiser wishes you all the very best for this holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2014.
Warmest Wishes,
Mary Ann
A Heiser Exclusive: Manage Your Vehicle Using OnStar and the OnStar RemoteLink iPhone App
One thing that sets apart all GM vehicles from a technological standpoint is the incorporation of OnStar. Thanks to the OnStar RemoteLink app for the iPhone, GM vehicle owners can now keep tabs on their car, start it, and unlock its doors remotely from virtually anywhere.
All General Motors vehicles, including Buicks, Chevrolets, Cadillacs, and GMCs, automatically come with OnStar. The service is activated in all new cars for between 6 and 12 months for free, and then a monthly fee applies thereafter to keep OnStar activated. Since the release of GM’s 1996 model year vehicles, OnStar has been a pioneer in providing emergency services, crash detection, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, and live concierge-like services to drivers.
To speak with a live OnStar representative, a driver or passenger simply needs to press the OnStar button built into the GM vehicle. It’s then possible to ask for directions or receive other types of assistance. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, an OnStar representative immediately contacts the driver to determine what services are needed and then summons local emergency services as needed.
As part of its effort to create “connected cars,” GM has introduced the OnStar RemoteLink app, which is free with an active OnStar account. This easy-to-use app provides vehicle owners with remote access to their own car(s) from virtually anywhere, even if you travel abroad, but your car is parked at home in your driveway or at the airport.
Using the iPhone’s Internet connectivity, a secure wireless connection to a vehicle can be established, allowing the vehicle’s owner to remotely start the ignition, lock or unlock the vehicle’s doors, honk the horn and/or flash the lights, plus view real-time vehicle diagnostic information (which includes monitoring the gas gauge, oil, tire pressure, and odometer.
One of the other extremely useful features of the OnStar RemoteLink app is that it links to other apps within your iPhone, including Contacts. Thus, if you’re planning a drive, you can look up any destination address or point of interest on the iPhone and then wirelessly send it to your vehicle’s in-car navigation system. So, when you turn on your vehicle, your destination is preloaded, with no additional data entry required.
The OnStar RemoteLink app also makes contacting an OnStar representative or the Heiser dealership via telephone just a screen tap away. Thus, the same live concierge-like services available from within the vehicle are also now available through your iPhone via the app.
OnStar also offers a Bluetooth-enabled, hands-free calling feature for the iPhone. This allows calls to be initiated from the iPhone or from the vehicle’s in-dash infotainment system, and for the microphone and speakers built into the car itself to be used during a call. An optional OnStar feature allows vehicle owners to prepurchase airtime minutes and utilize the OnStar system to initiate hands-free calls without a smartphone.
GM’s goal to create “connected cars” has become a reality, and with each model year, new technological advancements are introduced that include innovative ways for drivers to interact with their vehicles, at times using their iPhone and the Internet connectivity it provides. To learn more about OnStar and the OnStar RemoteLink visit: https://www.onstar.com
Learn More:
Heiser Winter Tip: How To Jump Start A Battery
We hope during this cold Wisconsin Winter that there isn’t a time you try to start your vehicle…and nothing happens. But if it does, we want you to be prepared. In those situations, a dead or discharged battery is often the culprit. There are a couple of ways to check: If the starter clicks or makes no sound, and the headlights are dim or don’t turn on at all, chances are it’s the battery. Thankfully, jump-starting a vehicle is easy. All it takes is a set of jumper cables and another running vehicle, and you’ll be on your way.
Before you start there are a few things you should do before starting step 1:
Steps to Jump Start A Battery:
A Heiser Review Of The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
The impact of the Chevy Cruze can't be underestimated. Introduced in 2011, this small economy sedan has made Chevrolet a brand to consider once more in the compact-car market, as the overall refinement, efficiency and packaging of the Cruze make it a serious rival for the Japanese-brand cars that have dominated the segment for a generation. The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze's features a lineup of solid-performing, high-efficiency four-cylinder engines, a sophisticated ride and handling balance, and the car's sharp, non-gimmicky design inside and out.
Powertrains and Performance - All 2014 Chevrolet Cruzes are front-wheel drive. The Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The LT, LTZ and Eco are fitted with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The Cruze diesel has a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder rated at 151 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS, LT and Eco. A six-speed automatic is optional on those trims and standard for the LTZ and diesel. Fuel economy stands at 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the Cruze LS with the manual transmission and 22/35/27 mpg with the automatic. The turbocharged engine (LT and LTZ) with either transmission receives 26/38/30 mpg estimates.
Safety– All 2014 Chevrolet Cruze models come with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side-impact airbags as standard. A front-disc/rear-drum brake setup is standard on all models except the 2LT, LTZ and Diesel, which are upgraded to four-wheel disc brakes. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen-vehicle assistance. A rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system are optional for all Cruzes except the LS. In government crash testing, the Cruze earned a top five-star rating for overall safety performance, with five stars in the frontal- and side-impact categories.
Interior Design and Special Features – The Cruze's cabin has a classy two-tone color scheme and looks more upscale than many of its competitors. The MyLink touchscreen interface is one of the simplest and most straightforward infotainment systems out there, and its voice-control interface is highly functional.
Driving Impressions- The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze deftly combines responsive handling with a comfortable, compliant ride. The sport suspension on the 2LT, LTZ and Diesel models is firmer but still provides an agreeable ride. The turbocharged 1.4-liter gas engine is above average in terms of outright acceleration, but it's peppier around town than the 1.8-liter thanks to its increased torque. Plus, the automatic transmission is programmed for maximum fuel economy.
As the year comes to a close, the Heiser Automotive Group would like to thank our customers for choosing Heiser for their automotive sales and service needs in 2013. We strive to make customer service the top priority for each of our employees. With your support, they were able to deliver on the promise that “Anything’s Possible” at the Heiser dealerships.
Another resolution: to grow with our community, was met in 2013 Heiser successfully partnered with local groups, like Rawhide, Autism Speaks, our neighborhood schools and their sports teams to help them reach their goals. Understanding the value of volunteerism and the financial needs of many outreach efforts underscores the leadership in each of our five Southeast Wisconsin dealerships.In 2014 we look forward to celebrating our 97th year! Heiser dealerships will continue to carry the large selection Milwaukee expects, at prices that will knock your socks off! In addition, watch for some new tools to help make managing your automotive needs easier.
Heiser wishes you all the very best for this holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2014.
Warmest Wishes,
Mary Ann
A Heiser Exclusive: Manage Your Vehicle Using OnStar and the OnStar RemoteLink iPhone App
One thing that sets apart all GM vehicles from a technological standpoint is the incorporation of OnStar. Thanks to the OnStar RemoteLink app for the iPhone, GM vehicle owners can now keep tabs on their car, start it, and unlock its doors remotely from virtually anywhere.
All General Motors vehicles, including Buicks, Chevrolets, Cadillacs, and GMCs, automatically come with OnStar. The service is activated in all new cars for between 6 and 12 months for free, and then a monthly fee applies thereafter to keep OnStar activated. Since the release of GM’s 1996 model year vehicles, OnStar has been a pioneer in providing emergency services, crash detection, roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, and live concierge-like services to drivers.
To speak with a live OnStar representative, a driver or passenger simply needs to press the OnStar button built into the GM vehicle. It’s then possible to ask for directions or receive other types of assistance. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, an OnStar representative immediately contacts the driver to determine what services are needed and then summons local emergency services as needed.
As part of its effort to create “connected cars,” GM has introduced the OnStar RemoteLink app, which is free with an active OnStar account. This easy-to-use app provides vehicle owners with remote access to their own car(s) from virtually anywhere, even if you travel abroad, but your car is parked at home in your driveway or at the airport.
Using the iPhone’s Internet connectivity, a secure wireless connection to a vehicle can be established, allowing the vehicle’s owner to remotely start the ignition, lock or unlock the vehicle’s doors, honk the horn and/or flash the lights, plus view real-time vehicle diagnostic information (which includes monitoring the gas gauge, oil, tire pressure, and odometer.
One of the other extremely useful features of the OnStar RemoteLink app is that it links to other apps within your iPhone, including Contacts. Thus, if you’re planning a drive, you can look up any destination address or point of interest on the iPhone and then wirelessly send it to your vehicle’s in-car navigation system. So, when you turn on your vehicle, your destination is preloaded, with no additional data entry required.
The OnStar RemoteLink app also makes contacting an OnStar representative or the Heiser dealership via telephone just a screen tap away. Thus, the same live concierge-like services available from within the vehicle are also now available through your iPhone via the app.
OnStar also offers a Bluetooth-enabled, hands-free calling feature for the iPhone. This allows calls to be initiated from the iPhone or from the vehicle’s in-dash infotainment system, and for the microphone and speakers built into the car itself to be used during a call. An optional OnStar feature allows vehicle owners to prepurchase airtime minutes and utilize the OnStar system to initiate hands-free calls without a smartphone.
GM’s goal to create “connected cars” has become a reality, and with each model year, new technological advancements are introduced that include innovative ways for drivers to interact with their vehicles, at times using their iPhone and the Internet connectivity it provides. To learn more about OnStar and the OnStar RemoteLink visit: https://www.onstar.com
Learn More:
Heiser Winter Tip: How To Jump Start A Battery
We hope during this cold Wisconsin Winter that there isn’t a time you try to start your vehicle…and nothing happens. But if it does, we want you to be prepared. In those situations, a dead or discharged battery is often the culprit. There are a couple of ways to check: If the starter clicks or makes no sound, and the headlights are dim or don’t turn on at all, chances are it’s the battery. Thankfully, jump-starting a vehicle is easy. All it takes is a set of jumper cables and another running vehicle, and you’ll be on your way.
Before you start there are a few things you should do before starting step 1:
- Read the safety, jump-starting, and roadside emergency information in your owner’s manual
- Have your roadside assistance number handy
- Locate a pair of color-coded jumper cables and a wire brush for removing battery terminal corrosion
- Find each vehicle’s battery: They can be under the hood or in the trunk
- Remove any metal jewelry like rings or bracelets to avoid accidental shocks while working near the battery
- Don’t disconnect the disabled battery—it could damage the vehicle’s electrical system
Steps to Jump Start A Battery:
- Move the boosting vehicle close to, but not touching, the vehicle with the dead battery so the jumper cables can connect without being taut. Put both vehicles in Park or Neutral, turn off their ignitions, and set their parking brakes. Turn off or unplug all power-draining items: lights, electronic accessories, and portable devices plugged into auxiliary outlets.
- Open the hood or trunk and remove any battery terminal covers. If you see chalky corrosion on the terminals, remove it with a wire brush terminal cleaner.
- Clamp the red positive (+) cable onto the disabled vehicle’s red positive (+) battery terminal.
- Next, connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the booster vehicle's red positive (+) battery terminal.
- Now connect the black negative (-) clamp to the booster vehicle's black negative (-) battery terminal.
- Connect the other end of the black negative (-) cable to a large, unpainted metal surface in the disabled vehicle’s engine bay, away from the battery and the engine itself. Make sure the cables are clear of any moving parts
- After a final check, start the booster vehicle. Then try to start the disabled vehicle: Usually it will start right up, but it may need to charge for a few minutes before starting. Once it starts, allow both vehicles to run connected for about three minutes.
- Without turning off the jump-started vehicle’s engine, disconnect the cables in the reverse order that they were attached, and close the hoods/trunks.
- Allow the jump-started vehicle’s engine to run for several minutes. Depending on how discharged it is, the battery may not be able to start again under its own power, so keep it running until you reach your destination.
- Visit Heiser as soon as possible to get the jump-started battery tested or replaced.
A Heiser Review Of The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
The impact of the Chevy Cruze can't be underestimated. Introduced in 2011, this small economy sedan has made Chevrolet a brand to consider once more in the compact-car market, as the overall refinement, efficiency and packaging of the Cruze make it a serious rival for the Japanese-brand cars that have dominated the segment for a generation. The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze's features a lineup of solid-performing, high-efficiency four-cylinder engines, a sophisticated ride and handling balance, and the car's sharp, non-gimmicky design inside and out.
Powertrains and Performance - All 2014 Chevrolet Cruzes are front-wheel drive. The Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The LT, LTZ and Eco are fitted with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The Cruze diesel has a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder rated at 151 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LS, LT and Eco. A six-speed automatic is optional on those trims and standard for the LTZ and diesel. Fuel economy stands at 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the Cruze LS with the manual transmission and 22/35/27 mpg with the automatic. The turbocharged engine (LT and LTZ) with either transmission receives 26/38/30 mpg estimates.
Safety– All 2014 Chevrolet Cruze models come with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side-impact airbags as standard. A front-disc/rear-drum brake setup is standard on all models except the 2LT, LTZ and Diesel, which are upgraded to four-wheel disc brakes. Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and stolen-vehicle assistance. A rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system are optional for all Cruzes except the LS. In government crash testing, the Cruze earned a top five-star rating for overall safety performance, with five stars in the frontal- and side-impact categories.
Interior Design and Special Features – The Cruze's cabin has a classy two-tone color scheme and looks more upscale than many of its competitors. The MyLink touchscreen interface is one of the simplest and most straightforward infotainment systems out there, and its voice-control interface is highly functional.
Driving Impressions- The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze deftly combines responsive handling with a comfortable, compliant ride. The sport suspension on the 2LT, LTZ and Diesel models is firmer but still provides an agreeable ride. The turbocharged 1.4-liter gas engine is above average in terms of outright acceleration, but it's peppier around town than the 1.8-liter thanks to its increased torque. Plus, the automatic transmission is programmed for maximum fuel economy.
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